Diagnosis to now

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Prof van Zandwijk says he does not want to raise false hope, but he is cautiously optimistic the treatment will work. "I think the whole concept is sound and we feel very reassured.
"While our preclinical research was confined to mesothelioma, we hope
that this new approach to cancer treatment will also inhibit other
tumour types." Speaking at the launch, Federal Health Minister Tanya
Plibersek said: "This will allow further research into the most
promising treatment for mesothelioma yet discovered. It means that we
might have a cure in a few years." Mentioning the sadness of losing a
family friend to the disease, she said: "Anyone who has been touched by
mesothelioma, and there are so many Australians who have been, will be
so excited about this. It's just such a wonderful day." The trial is
made possible by a $1.2 million donation from the family of Andrew
Lloyd, who died of malignant mesothelioma in 2011 after coming into
contact with asbestos during building renovations.

Australian scientists have made a breakthrough that brings a glimmer of hope to people with a deadly cancer caused by asbestos.
The
cancer affects a small percentage of people exposed to asbestos, but it
is relatively common in Australia with about 650 new cases a year.
There is no cure for the disease, which takes about 35 years to develop, and most people die within 18 months of diagnosis.
So
far, treatment developed at the Asbestos Diseases Research Institute
has shown remarkable results in tests on mice with malignant
mesothelioma taken from humans.
Now, institute director Professor Nico van Zandwijk and his team are preparing to test the TargomiRs treatment on humans.
First stage trials start at the end of 2013 and will determine the optimal and safe dose.
"Treatment
options for this asbestos-related cancer are very limited and effective
new therapies are urgently needed," Prof van Zandwijk said at the
announcement of the trial in Sydney on Wednesday.